The celebrated author read a "classic" forecast on Monday's edition of Radio 4's Today programme, which was guest-edited by comedian and writer Michael Palin.

Taking to the airwaves at 8.40am, Bennett warned of rough conditions in the North sea: "South-east Dogger, Fisher: south-westerly 5 to 7 becoming cyclonic gale 8 to storm 10 for a time. Rough or very rough. Rain or squally showers. Moderate or poor. Occasionally good."

Today presenter James Naughtie pointed out that the three-minute forecast was a "classic" from 28 October. "If you're on a ship, please don't worry!" he said.

Palin, who was guest editing the current affairs programme, described Bennett's forecast as "such a lovely rendition".

"The shipping forecast is rather poetic, it's beating the bounds of our country," he said.

"Alan was unsensational but the words themselves – especially what was happening to Plymouth – were actually quite serious."

Bennett, the owner of a distinctive Yorkshire cadence, is familiar to audiences young and old for his reading of literary greats including The Wind in the Willows and Talking Heads.

The 79-year-old now joins a small shortlist of non-BBC presenters to have read the famous bulletin.